Rahul Gandhi has poor memory, can't understand things: BJP MLA's remarks spark row

A case has been filed against a Karnataka BJP MLA after he made inflammatory remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a protest, claiming that the Congress MP had no cognitive ability and warning that the Gandhi family would be "destroyed" just as the Babri Masjid was demolished. The remarks triggered a political storm, with the Congress accusing the BJP and the RSS of promoting the politics of "physical elimination" of political opponents.The Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, while addressing party workers, said, "Rahul Gandhi's memory is low. He's high 24 hours a day. He doesn't have the capability to see what's good or bad."Referring to the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, Suvarna further said, "When our sentiments were hurt, our workers destroyed the Babri Masjid. In the same way, the Congress and Rahul Gandhi's family will be destroyed. Our workers are ready. I want to warn Rahul Gandhi."The remarks targeting the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha were made during a protest organised against the Congress and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). They immediately triggered a political storm, with the Congress terming them inflammatory and alleging that they amounted to a threat against the Gandhi family. Reacting to the BJP MLA's comments, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Working President and MLC Manjunatha Bhandary said the state government had taken serious note of Suvarna's remarks and would pursue legal action.In a statement, he said he would meet the state Home Minister and seek directions for the police to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action. "Targeting those who raised their voice against the NEET paper leak issue through personal abuse, hate speech and intimidation reflects the BJP's anti-student mindset. Political differences cannot be answered with threats in a democracy," Bhandary said.Congress leader FH Jakkappanavar alleged that the BJP and the RSS have a history of seeking to eliminate political opponents."The RSS always wants to eliminate its enemies, be it Mahatma Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi. Physical elimination is their agenda," said Jakkappanavar, a Member of the Legislative Council.According to the police, an FIR has been registered against Suvarna based on a complaint filed by Udupi District Congress president Ashok. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of an offence by the public, provocation with intent to cause a riot, promoting enmity between groups, criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and statements conducive to public mischief.The BJP has not issued an official response to the FIR or the Congress's allegations so far.- EndsPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 12:29 IST